On Saturday, Queen’s rowing made the short trip to Islandbridge to compete in Neptune Regatta. The event had an overwhelming entry but despite this managed to run very smoothly, a credit to the organisers. Queen’s men entered 4 crews, the novice IV, novice VIII, intermediate VIII and senior VIII. Queen’s ladies entered 4 crews, the novice VIII, intermediate VIII, inter 2x and Heather Campbell competed in the senior 1x.

The novice IV were first to race and progressed easily through their first race against UCD (B), but fell short against UCD (A). The novice VIII underperformed somewhat in a strongly contested heat against DUBC (A). Trinity were able to take advantage and pull away around the second bend. This has given the lads their first taste of regatta racing and a knowledge of what is required to win. The intermediate and senior eights had some last minute reshuffling due to illness, but were intent on victory. The intermediates defeated St. Michaels in their opener. In their final, they lacked the unity to contest an excellent row by Trinity who won convincingly. The senior VIII faced off against Neptune in their heat, and pulled away to set them up for the final against UCD. The final was well contested until the second bend, when Queens began to edge in front. The lads extended their lead to a length by the finish-line in the fastest time of the day (3:22).

Congratulations must be paid to the women’s novice VIII crew, who were undoubtedly the success story of the weekend. They were the first of the women’s crews to race, rowing to victory over Commercial and UCD, earning them a place in the final of their first competitive regatta. The women’s novice VIII final was the last race of the event, which boasted great support from the sidelines. The Queen’s ladies rose to the occasion with an emphatic performance, which gave them 2 &frac12; lengths over Trinity and the win in their category. The women’s intermediate VIII were beaten in their match-up against Trinity, who went on to win inters against Commercial. Heather Campbell was defeated in the semi-final of the senior 1x by OCBC’s Purpure, a heavyweight who topped the category.

The next focus for Queen’s rowing is the Rowing Ireland Trials in Cork (10-13th April), and the upcoming University Championships and Queen’s Regatta in Castlewellan (24-25th April).